Minstrel

A minstrel in the biblical context was a professional musician, particularly one who played stringed instruments to create the conditions for prophetic inspiration or ceremonial mourning. The most notable instance is 2 Kings 3:15, where the prophet Elisha called for a minstrel: But now bring me a minstrel. And when the minstrel played, the hand of the LORD came upon him. This unusual account suggests that music could prepare a prophet's spirit to receive divine communication — a practice with parallels in other ancient Near Eastern prophetic traditions.

In Matthew 9:23, Jesus encountered minstrels (flute players) making a noise at the house of Jairus's daughter, performing the customary professional mourning rites. Jesus dismissed them before raising the child. The Hebrew menagen and Greek auletes (flute player) represent the same social function: trained musicians who served both sacred and secular needs.